Velvet's Ogingol blends heart, heritage, and harmony
Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025
By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan singer-songwriter Velvet Aduk hopes to spark renewed interest in indigenous languages with the release of her long-awaited Dusun-language album, Ogingol, launched on May 10 across all major streaming platforms. The nine-track album is a heartfelt tribute to her Dusun and Kadazan heritage, fusing ancestral dialects with contemporary musical arrangements. Featuring songs such as Nokosuai, Bolintuongon, and Nouyan – a duet with AIM award-winner Arddley Nicholas – the album explores themes of identity, cultural pride, and belonging. Velvet wrote and composed most of the material herself, with longtime collaborator Brandon Laurie co-producing and Andy O'Mail contributing on lead guitar, while Kaandaman marks Brandon's debut as a songwriter in Kadazan. Describing the project as a personal journey of rediscovery and contribution, Velvet said she hopes the album will inspire younger generations to embrace their native languages through music. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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